Topical Encyclopedia Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz and the 13th king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his faithfulness to God and his significant religious reforms. His reign is detailed in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah. Hezekiah's life and actions provide a profound example of resignation to God's will, particularly during times of personal and national crisis.Hezekiah's Illness and Resignation to God's Will One of the most notable instances of Hezekiah's resignation is found in the account of his illness. In 2 Kings 20:1-11 and Isaiah 38:1-8, Hezekiah becomes gravely ill, and the prophet Isaiah delivers a message from the Lord, saying, "Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover" (2 Kings 20:1). Faced with this dire prognosis, Hezekiah turns to the Lord in prayer, weeping bitterly and pleading for his life. His prayer is a testament to his deep faith and reliance on God. God responds to Hezekiah's earnest prayer by granting him an additional fifteen years of life. This divine intervention is accompanied by a miraculous sign: the shadow on the sundial of Ahaz moves backward ten steps (2 Kings 20:9-11). Hezekiah's initial acceptance of God's will, followed by his fervent prayer, illustrates a profound resignation to divine sovereignty, coupled with a trust in God's mercy and power. Hezekiah's Reforms and National Resignation Hezekiah's reign is marked by significant religious reforms aimed at restoring proper worship and adherence to the covenant with God. He removes high places, shatters sacred stones, and cuts down Asherah poles, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:4. Hezekiah's actions demonstrate a national resignation to God's commandments, as he leads Judah back to exclusive worship of Yahweh, rejecting idolatry and syncretism. In 2 Chronicles 29-31, Hezekiah's efforts to purify the temple and reinstate the Passover celebration further underscore his commitment to aligning the nation with God's will. His leadership inspires the people of Judah to return to the Lord, reflecting a collective resignation to divine authority and a desire for spiritual renewal. Hezekiah and the Assyrian Threat Another significant episode in Hezekiah's life is his confrontation with the Assyrian empire. In 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37, the Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, threatening Jerusalem. Hezekiah's response to this existential threat is characterized by humility and dependence on God. He seeks the counsel of the prophet Isaiah and prays earnestly for deliverance, laying the Assyrian demands before the Lord in the temple (2 Kings 19:14-19). God answers Hezekiah's prayer by sending an angel to destroy the Assyrian army, resulting in a miraculous deliverance for Judah (2 Kings 19:35-36). Hezekiah's reliance on God in the face of overwhelming odds exemplifies a deep resignation to God's will, trusting in His protection and providence. Hezekiah's Legacy Hezekiah's life and reign leave a lasting legacy of faithfulness and trust in God. His willingness to submit to God's will, whether in personal illness or national crisis, serves as an enduring example of resignation to divine authority. Through his reforms and reliance on God, Hezekiah leads Judah in a return to covenant faithfulness, demonstrating the blessings that come from aligning with God's purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 20:19Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which you have spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed. Beloved, and yet Afflicted 2 Kings iv. 25, 26. The Poetical Books. The Holy Spirit's Intercession The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and ... An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It. Indexes and Tables Chastisement Letter Lx. To Heliodorus. Resources What does the Bible say about acceptance? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about fate / destiny? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to pray, “Thy will be done”? | GotQuestions.org Resignation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Resignation: Christ Set and Example of Resignation: General Scriptures Concerning Resignation: Motives to God's Faithfulness Resignation: Motives to God's Greatness Resignation: Motives to God's Justice Resignation: Motives to God's Love Resignation: Motives to God's Wisdom Resignation: Motives to Our own Sinfulness Resignation: Submission to the Sovereignty of God in his Purposes Resignation: Submission to the Will of God Resignation: The Prospect of Death Resignation: The Wicked are Devoid of Related Terms |
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